Hearts 2 Match: 23 Months

*as always these are for me (and the girls) to remember so don't feel pressured to read*

Foods They Like: They are getting better with meat but it's still not their favorite. They are improving with appetite and foods they try but usually it means no snacks and making sure they are hungry for dinner : p

Foods They Don't: They are pretty picky compared to their friends. They are doing better but still need improvement. We asked the pediatrician about vitamins and Pediasure and she encouraged us to feel free to supplement. We have started them on a daily gummy vitamin and occasional Carnation Instant Breakfast (ped said it's basically the same as Pediasure but cheaper).

Favorite Things: They are starting to like coloring more. They like books, especially Kendall. They love our dog and petting him and telling him what to do. They point at him and say things like they are bossing him around (definitely realizing the behaviors we're modeling and trying to keep it in line).

Favorite toy: Puzzles. Kendall loves an animal puzzle Jeff's mom gave us and she is really good at it too. Seren still loves shoes. They are starting to like their baby dolls now (6 months+ since I bought them haha). And of course whatever toy the other one has.

Dislikes: Being told what to do or not to do. Time outs.

Their Accomplishments: Walking, running and climbing. Sleeping without their cribs (still working on toddler beds...ordered and arrived but one was missing a piece so both are going without). I now sometimes dare to take them places without a stroller (post office and library) and they do pretty well. Seren is excited about potty training and sitting on the toilet but we haven't actually started trying yet. Kendall gets excited about the potty but doesn't want to sit on it (I'm thinking we'll go with a floor model for her).

Verbal: They understand a lot of words but still don't verbalize as much. We have Early Intervention in the home for Kendall and we think she is starting to catch up. She hums/sings a little and says a couple new words (so it seems more so that Seren is rubbing off on her as we've only had one "therapy" visit). Seren is doing better with speech and says/repeats new words fairly often. I can't imagine we'll be working with Early Intervention too long but we'll see.

New words: Seren is starting to imitate so many things that we say. Her newest phrases are "all done" (with eating and anytime she's fed up with being somewhere such as the store haha) and "wash hands" as she has found an interest in doing this for herself. Kendall is also doing better. She says "more", "hello", "hi", "uh uh", "done" and is picking up on animal sounds. Both girls like to sign "more", especially when we're eating.

Teeth: Seren has 2 or 3 canines in. Kendall is getting a bottom and a top canine in.

Sleep: Sleeping great. We took the cribs down and decided to get toddler beds to have more room in their bedroom. So their mattresses are on the floor while we wait for these to arrive. They typically walk themselves to bed and sometimes naps. Kendall will get tired and I'll find her cuddled on her mattress with a blanket. Napping seems to be coming to an end though : ( I'm trying to hold off until after the holidays but we'll see.

Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. Excited for my parents to visit during the holidays and also for Kendall and Seren's 2nd birthday. Can't believe that is only a month away...WOW!!

Favorite Memories: I love to listen to them play and giggle in their room before nap time. They've also become more and more understanding of feelings (or seem to). If Seren is crying Kendall will bring Seren her blanket or teddy bear (because this is what Kendall loves for comfort). When Kendall gets hurt playing Seren will usually give her the toy that caused the problem or try to hug and kiss her. Also today (28th) I was strolling them through the store and they were goofing off leaning on each other and then Seren started hugging and kissing Kendall for no apparent reason. I love it! It is so fun to watch them grow up together.